A Woman’s Place

Written By Betty Predmore

1 TIMOTHY 2: 1-15

(October 17)

There is much discussion about a woman's place in the church. Should she lead? Should she teach? What does scripture say is permissible?

In this portion of Paul's letter, he spells it out. Women were to be modest in appearance, not drawing attention to themselves with their clothes, hair and jewelry. Women were to learn quietly and submissively, not teaching me or having authority over them.

Does this indicate that Paul was against women? To get a better idea, we have to look at it from their perspective, from their time in history. In 1st century Jewish culture, studying wasn't permitted for women. By saying women should learn in quietness and full submission, what Paul was actually doing was offering them a wonderful new opportunity, to gain knowledge. He didn't want them teaching because they didn't know enough yet, and there were already enough "false" teachers, and he didn't want the women to be swayed by these imitators.

Paul didn't forbid women from ever teaching. If you remember, Pricilla, who was his friend and coworker, taught Apollos. Paul talked often about the women who had positions of responsibility in the church. What Paul is most likely saying is that the Ephesian women shouldn't be teaching.

What about his comment about women being silent? He is using the word silent as a reference to having an attitude of quietness and composure. In Paul's own words he spoke about women who prayed in public and prophesied.

Have you ever heard that phrase, "give them an inch and they take a mile?" Well, that was what the Ephesian women were doing. They were taking advantage of the new freedom they had in Christ and trying to influence others. It was Paul's thought that they were simply too new at Christianity to teach those who already had a biblical education.

As stated earlier, this is a huge subject of conversation, even today. There are many who think women have no place in church leadership. There are others who think women have the ability to play a powerful part in teaching others and leading them to Christ.

What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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